Rustic camping near Council, Idaho offers several primitive sites with varying terrain and accessibility. Most dispersed sites sit between 4,000-5,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Fire restrictions often apply during late summer months when the region experiences increased wildfire risk.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, campers find productive waters for catching small perch. According to one visitor, "Great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails." The reservoir size decreases throughout summer, affecting fishing conditions.
Paddle sports: Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides calm waters perfect for non-motorized watercraft. One camper notes, "Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you'll want to be on the water!" The area includes multiple access points along shorelines.
Hiking trails: The area surrounding primitive camping sites offers numerous day hikes. At Rapid Creek, trails lead directly from campsites to water access points. A visitor reports, "There are trails from both sites near the vault toilet that lead down to Rapid Creek." Most trails remain unmaintained and require proper footwear.
What campers like
Secluded spaces: Brundage Reservoir Dispersed Camping provides quiet surroundings with minimal crowds even during peak season. One camper shared, "So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake. Only one other camper on the weekend in a 7 site dispersed camping area."
Lake proximity: Many sites allow direct water access for recreation. At Warren Wagon Road, campers appreciate the location: "We love this spot. We ended up taking 3 spots because we had a group with us... Lake is just down the road, but you have quick, short walking access to river & creek."
Ample space between sites: Primitive camping areas typically provide good separation between parties. At Goose Lake, a visitor noted the layout: "Awesome undeveloped camp sites spaced out along the lake great place to camp and enjoy some cool crisp air at night."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Reservoirs experience significant drawdown as summer progresses. At Lost Valley Reservoir, water levels "drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge" by early-mid August.
Insect considerations: Mosquitoes present challenges at most locations, particularly during morning and evening hours. At Little Payette Lake, visitors warn: "Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early August" and another camper specified, "No bugs during the day but Dawn/dusk mosquitoes."
Bathroom facilities: Most dispersed sites offer minimal sanitation facilities. Mann Creek Recreation Area provides vault toilets but no running water. Some areas like Rapid Creek have "vault toilets that were reasonably clean," while others require packing in all supplies and waste management equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection criteria: For families, consider proximity to amenities. At Mann Creek Recreation Area, campers note "There is camping around the reservoir and at the nearby campground. Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATVs," providing multiple activity options.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate clothing and gear. At Rapid Creek, a camper reported: "It's high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night."
Wildlife awareness: Bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. A camper at Rapid Creek observed: "I never saw any bear scat but signs on the property warn of them so be smart with your food."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. At Hazard Creek Dispersed Camping, visitors find "a nice flat spot" for camping, but many approach roads to dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles.
Limited hookups: No electrical, water, or sewer connections exist at any primitive sites. At Mann Creek, one RVer noted it offers "designated campsites and primitive large campsites if you are willing to drive in a ways... No fire rings are in the primitive area so if you want fire and there is a ban your out of luck."
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain may require leveling equipment. A Little Payette Lake camper warns: "Sloped ground so make sure you can level all your things." Most sites lack designated parking pads.
